Recall 25V871 covers 851 2014-2015 BMW 2 Series, 3 Series, and 4 Series vehicles for head air bag inflator weld defects. Free repair once available.
BMW is recalling 851 2014-2015 228I, M235I, 328I, 320I, 335I, 435I, and 428I vehicles because the head air bag inflator can fail at a weld joint, causing a gas leak or inflator rupture. A rupture can send sharp metal fragments into or out of the vehicle, and a gas leak can leave the air bag only partly inflated during a crash; the BMW dealer repair will be free once BMW makes the remedy available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The head air bag in these 2014-2015 BMW 228I, M235I, 328I, 320I, 335I, 435I, and 428I vehicles is mounted near the side window area. In a crash, its inflator releases gas to fill the bag so it can help protect an occupant's head.
BMW traced the concern to head air bags from a supplier production lot that was not built to specification. The weak point is the inflator weld joint, the place where the inflator body is joined and sealed. If that joint fails, gas can leak from the inflator instead of filling the air bag as designed, or the inflator can rupture.
There is no warning sign before failure. The air bag system can look normal from the driver's seat, and the defect is inside the head air bag inflator.
Who's affected?
Spans 7 BMW model lines across the 2014 and 2015 model years, all tied to the same side air bag component.
| 2015 BMW 228I | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2015 BMW M235I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 328I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 320I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 335I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 228I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW M235I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 435I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 428I | side air bag |
| Units affected | 851 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
For recall 25V871, a rupturing air bag inflator can send sharp metal fragments into or out of the vehicle, increasing injury risk. If the inflator leaks gas, the head air bag can inflate only partially in a crash, also increasing injury risk. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 BMW 228I, M235I, 328I, 320I, 335I, 435I, or 428I is included in this recall.
- Wait for BMW's remedy instructions before scheduling the head air bag replacement; owner letters were mailed February 12, 2026.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions, and reference recall number 25V871.
- Drive with extra care until the free head air bag replacement is complete, since the inflator can rupture or only partly inflate in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician will replace the head air bags covered by this recall once BMW opens the repair. Parts and labor will be covered under the recall. If you paid out of pocket for this head air bag remedy before the recall notice, BMW Group's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Keep receipts and repair paperwork so BMW customer service or the dealer can review the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 17, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 17, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 17, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 12, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V871?
Recall 25V871 covers 851 2014-2015 BMW 228I, M235I, 328I, 320I, 335I, 435I, and 428I vehicles with head air bag inflators that can fail at the weld joint. BMW dealers will replace the head air bags for free once the repair is open.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 BMW 228I, M235I, 328I, 320I, 335I, 435I, or 428I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 25V871. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 and ask when the head air bag replacement is available. The dealer repair is free once BMW opens it.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires BMW to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the head air bags free of charge. Use recall 25V871 when you call the dealer so the service desk can find the correct campaign.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from a head air bag inflator failure. If the inflator ruptures, sharp metal fragments can enter or exit the vehicle. If the inflator leaks gas, the head air bag can inflate only partly during a crash, increasing injury risk.
What if I bought my BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Owner letters were mailed February 12, 2026, but a used-vehicle owner never receives every prior notice. Check your VIN, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall 25V871.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V871000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V871 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V871000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →